Reach out through press and social media

One way to achieve impact is through communicating your research beyond academia and to broader society. You can communicate your research to different audiences through various platforms such as:

• Writing academic blogs
• Social media
• Podcasts
• Traditional media.

The routes you use to communicate your research will vary depending on your subject matter and the audience you wish to reach. These methods can help build your profile, give a sense of urgency to an issue or raise awareness of a particular topic. If done effectively, they may even bring about collaborations.

Access Communication and Marketing Support

You can access communication and marketing support both within the College and University-wide.

Edinburgh Communications and Marketing (CAM)

The University’s communications and marketing team can help you develop a press release and access media training. They also provide a range of guidelines and resources on how best to represent the University’s brand.

Communications and Marketing homepage

CMVM Communications, Marketing and Engagement Team

The College have an integrated team that deliver a number of key communications functions, including events, marketing, web, publicity and outreach work. Reach out to the College communications team if you need support organising public and community engagement activities and events.

CMVM Communications, Marketing and Engagement Team

How to engage with press and social media for impact

Listed below are a number of resources to help you communicate your research to broader audiences

Introduction to Communications and Media

A comprehensive introduction to the basics of science communication and the media has been put together by Kasia Kokowska, Marketing, Communications & Outreach Manager in the School of Informatics. It includes a booklet and three short videos that provide guidance on:

• Different forms and functions of mass media
• How to decide what platforms to use based on the impact you would like to achieve
• How to tell if your science is newsworthy
• How to work with journalists and design the perfect pitch
• The pitfalls of science communication without gatekeepers
• How to raise the profile of your research through social media

You will also find quizzes to test your learning. These resources are universally applicable across disciplines but please note that personalised feedback on quizzes is for Informatics staff and students only.

Introduction to Communications and Media

Using social media responsibly

The University encourages colleagues to engage, collaborate and innovate using social media, but it is important to be aware of the potential impact of actions and engagements on individuals and the organisations they represent. The University’s social media policy can help you steer a safe and responsible path and provides an overview of the main points to consider when creating and managing social media channels.